Metro Digest

Local News in Brief : Colleges Launch Search

The process of finding a new chancellor for the Los Angeles Community College District formally began Wednesday with the hiring of an executive search firm.

Out of nine firms seeking the search contract, the district's Board of Trustees selected Korn Ferry International of Century City to find candidates to lead the nine-campus college system. A new chancellor is to assume office in July and the trustees said they want to make a choice by spring.

Leslie Koltai, the chancellor for the last 15 years, was forced to announce his retirement two months ago after disputes with a newly elected majority of trustees. Thomas Fallo, the vice chancellor for business services, was named acting chancellor.

Korn Ferry is to receive payment equal to one-third of the first year's salary of the new chancellor and will also be compensated for expenses. Koltai received $103,000 a year but his successor's pay will be negotiated.